Over 300 Projects in 25 Years
In the mid-1990’s, Seattle had the chance to create a park the size of NYC’s Central Park in South Lake Union, called the Seattle Commons. After two rounds of losses, a group of determined park lovers came together with Seattle Mayor Paul Schell to rethink how to engage people in parks. From this gathering, the Seattle Parks Foundation was born — 25 years ago.
Today, the mission of the Seattle Parks Foundation is to partner with community to champion thriving and equitable parks and public spaces. From our early days, we knew how important community connection to parks can be (people vote for what they care about) and we’ve helped support and catalyze over 300 projects driven by community in partnership with our civic partners in Seattle and King County.
25th Anniversary Playlist
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Parks are free and open to all, providing spaces for people to seek refuge on increasingly hot days, play and enjoy nature, create connection with their neighbors, and participate in civic engagement.
Seattle is fortunate to have so many residents and visitors who volunteer their time to care for our shared spaces. In our 25 year history, Seattle Parks Foundation has supported over 300 community-led efforts to create thriving and equitable spaces for our future generations. We are grateful to our dedicated partners who are prioritizing climate solutions, relationship building, and the overall health of our region.
Pop-Up Concerts in the Park
Our 25th Anniversary celebration continues with our Pop-Up Concerts in the Park in July and August 2025!
For 25 years, Seattle Parks Foundation (SPF) has partnered with communities to champion thriving and equitable parks and public spaces. Community is at the center of everything that we do, and we are proud to present local musicians throughout this series. At each Pop-Up Concert in the Park, a diverse lineup of regional talent will take the stage, celebrating the communities that surround each location – from Magnuson Park Amphitheater to the Kubota Garden Terrace Overlook – and other beautiful outdoor spaces in between!
The series is free and open to the public. The performances will start at 6:30pm and end at 8pm. All are welcome!
Pop-Up Concerts in the Park dates, locations and artists:
- July 9, 2025: REPOSADO at Seward Park Amphitheater
- July 16, 2025: El Guanaco at Be’er Sheva Park Cultural Stage
- July 23, 2025: The Whags at Magnuson Park Amphitheater
- July 30, 2025: Black Stax at Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park Stage
- August 6, 2025: Elnah Jordan at Kubota Garden Terrace Overlook
- August 20, 2025: The Residency Showcase at Volunteer Park Amphitheater
- August 27, 2025: The Jaws of Brooklyn at Waterfront Stage
Learn more about the artists on our blog!
All concerts will feature opening sets by artists in The Residency program.
Our Pop-Up Concerts in the Park series is generously sponsored by Amazon, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join the Community Legacy of Parks and Public Spaces!
We believe in the power of partnership, and we rely on the support of corporations and individual donors to champion thriving and equitable parks and public spaces. Join us as a sponsor in our 25th Anniversary year and you will:
– Enable free community events throughout the region.
– Provide educational opportunities to advance the topics of climate and equity in our public spaces.
– Amplify the work of over 100 active projects.
In return, sponsors will receive public promotion and recognition throughout our 25th Anniversary year’s calendar of events. Explore our Sponsorship Opportunities below or contact info@seattleparksfoundation.org for more information.
Digital Toolkit
Want to share information about our 25th anniversary with your networks and community? We have compiled some marketing materials for you to use! Click below to download our logo, learn about upcoming events, and more. Thank you for helping to tell our story during this anniversary year!
Please be sure to credit the photos as follows: “Courtesy of Seattle Parks Foundation, Photo by (Photographer)”
Photographer credit can be found in the caption of each photo.
Interested in other photos or assets? Please reach out to communications@seattleparksfoundation.org.
About Seattle Parks Foundation
Seattle Parks Foundation partners with community to champion thriving and equitable parks and public spaces.
Their vision is that people feel welcomed and invested in our parks and public spaces, leading to healthy, sustainable and equitable communities.
Seattle Parks Foundation leads the region in parks and public space partnerships and projects, and has a proven track record of success. While many of their projects benefit a specific park or public space, others unite like-minded community members to improve enjoyment and equitable access and accessibility for all throughout the region.
Their strategic priorities are Equity in Public Spaces, Activated Parks and Healthy People, Neighborhood-Based Climate Solutions and Increased Civic Engagement and Community Building.
Seattle Parks Foundation has supported over 300 projects in their 25 year history. They believe in the power of partnership and act as the bridge between community groups and government agencies to help get park and public space projects underway, and to help navigate the long and often complex process.
They offer fiscal sponsorship to over 100 grassroots community-led groups at any given time, providing hands-on support in strategy, advocacy, fundraising, communications, and finance, allowing groups to offer tax-deductible donations to their supporters.
In addition to fundraising in support of their own initiatives and those of our community partners, Seattle Parks Foundation advocates for equitable access to parks for all, leveraging over $1.2 Billion in public funding to public space initiatives.
Earth Day 2025 event at Town Hall – press release (pdf)
Coverage of our 25th anniversary year will be included here upon release.
Interested in connecting with us? Reach out to communications@seattleparksfoundation.org.